I'll apologize in advance...I'm pretty sure this was discussed at one point but I couldn't find the thread in my search...
Since I will probably keep my Cayman S for many years (to watch her grow up, mature, interact with other Porsche's, and basically make Daddy proud) I want to find out what options I have in paint protection...especially on the front end. There was a discussion one point about a protective film but my questions are:
1. How expensive is it?
2. Does anyone have contacts in the Northeast (preferably upstate NY) that does it?
3. How unsightly are the cut lines between the film and the paint?
4. Has anyone used it on a current vehicle and if so, what are your impressions?
5.If you took it off, do you notice significant paint fade?
Thanks for the feedback. Little Cayman S will appreciate her youthful complexion as she gets older.
Hi Nthusiast -
I'm not sure my response will help you, per se, but I do have quite a bit of feedback.
Paint protection has really gained popularity here in S. CA in the last few years and while I've not had it done on any of my vehicles, I have seen the results dozens of times.
My feeback is that the results will vary considerably based primarily off of two factors: (1) quality of the installation and (2) paint color under the film.
This is one area where I definitely recommend doing your research and paying extra to have an experienced installer. I've seen the same year, same color car, done by two different installers and the results have been like night and day. This is definitely one area where you get where you pay for. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the NorthEast area to help but someone on this board or one like it (Ferrarichat, NSXprime, 6speedonline) should be able to help you.
As I said, color does make a difference. I've seen a few well done P cars in white and silver where it's hard to see the lines. At the same time, I've been able to see from several feet away on a red F430 and a blue Gallardo where the film started and stopped.
As I said earlier, I've not done this to any of my cars and my Berlina Black NSX has the stonechips to prove it. I tend towards the anti-garage queen way of thinking and I rely on good old wax and some touch up paint rather than risk seeing goofy lines on the car and worrying about what happens if the film ever comes off.
There are at least two good threads here that have discussions about it. My local tint guys do a really good job for around $400 for nose, side, mirror and lower rear protection.
Edited by - Santa Fe on 12/13/2005 4:44:35 PM
I would definitely agree that you get what you pay for. After stopping at dealer last Fri. to see floor car and get info on mine (awaiting VIN as it is built), I saw several pre owned 911's and most of them you could not see the lines unless you were right on top of them. A couple did not look very good at all and there were many places where the start/stop stood out. Dealer will install the clear bra but I believe that I will trailer it down to shop where I believe the work to be of top notch quality. That is if we aren't able to get a bra party going in the SoCal area. This is one item I am glad to have found out about now to get it done first thing. Woulda been good on the wife's car as the front bumper and front of hood need painting already from chips in the last 2 years.
